You can get land records from the LDS or through interlibrary loan. Right now I am looking at Alabama deeds that I got on microfilm from the LDS and Texas deeds that I got on microfilm under interlibrary loan. USGS deeds are available on line. I got two Alabama deeds by downloading them from the USGS. The LDS films cost $3.25 a roll for a two week loan. The Texas deeds and the USGS deeds are free. Alabama will let you get their deeds on loan also but they want $5.00 instead of $3.25. You might even find an affidavit of heirship. If a person who owns land dies without a will, the heirs must either take out administration of the estate or file an affidavit of heirship in the deed records. I found just such an affidavit filed in 1733 in Essex County, MA. Good luck! Barbara Finney